Experts spot potential of city to deliver serious economic growth

A powerful committee of independent experts has today (Monday 25 June) called on the government and local councils to put measures in place to bring more jobs and greater prosperity to the district, through initiatives such as medical school in Canterbury.

The Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission, chaired by Sir John Armitt, who played a major role in the success of the London Olympic Games in 2012, says significant investment and a focus on delivery is needed to allow north Kent, south Essex and east London to fulfill their potential over the next 30 years.

The commission visited Canterbury in recent months. In its report, it:

Backs plans to build a medical school in Canterbury as part of plans to develop a health super centre in east Kent

Recommends better railway connections for the city

Suggests the creation of a North Kent Foreshore Fund to help generate growth

Says building extra homes will unlock cash to boost the district’s infrastructure

Calls for Crossrail to be extended to Ebbsfleet which will connect the district’s high-speed trains to a much wider network

Leader of Canterbury City Council, Cllr Simon Cook, said: “We welcome this report and thank the commission for allowing us to have a significant input into its discussions and thought processes through our intense lobbying alongside Kent County Council, our universities and others.

“It is particularly pleasing the commission recognises a willingness for the key actors in the Thames Estuary area to work together to achieve great things and senses our can-do attitude.

“This independent, in-depth and expert report will be a powerful lever in our discussions with the government as we lobby for it to invest in the district.”

The report also recommends a focus on improving skills in the Thames Estuary corridor which includes the Canterbury City Council area and says there is a need for town centres to be high quality while taking full advantage of world-class heritage sites and natural assets.

Canterbury City Council’s Chief Executive, Colin Carmichael, said: “This report recognises the district’s strengths – our proximity to London and the near Continent, strong and innovative universities and our heritage among many other things.

“It also gives a blueprint for building on these strengths and unlocking the potential for more growth, a better-skilled workforce and the creation of more local jobs, all of which coincide with our own ambitions.

“We are looking forward to working with a wide range of organisations from the public and private sectors to make this happen and demonstrate to the government that we mean business.”